Police in Mthatha are looking for any information that can assist in getting back a Search and Rescue dog that went missing at Mahlubini locality in Sulenkama on Sunday the 18 February 2018 at about 19h00.
Captain Dineo Koena says the male German Shepherd named Olive went missing after he rescued a 55 year old man who had disappeared two days earlier when he went to fetch wood at a nearby forest.
Its believed that Olive was chased by other dogs while his handler Constable Songezile Katikati and members of the community were about to reach their vehicle.
Constable Katikati and Olive have been together since 2012 and were awarded the "Best Rescuing Dog" in the Eastern Cape in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Constable Katikati said he's perturbed and emotionally drained as Olive is his best friend and companion. "He is humble and cannot harm anyone as he is trained in rescuing drowned people, searching for missing people and seeking out evidence at crime scenes," said Constable Katikati. "I plead with anyone who sees him not to harm him and to rather keep him and report the matter to the police."
Olive is a tan colour German Shepherd with a black back and face. He wears a black leather belt with a clock around his neck.
"Olive is one of our team and has never disappointed us," said the Acting Cluster Commander Brigadier Nomawethu Makonza. "When we send Constable Katikati and Olive to rescue someone we can relax as we know they'll bring that missing person back to their family. Our members are busy searching for him and we urge anyone who might see him or know of his whereabouts to please contact Constable Songezile Katikati on 07273101556 or 0835303295. Information can also be shared on SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111 or Crime Line 32211."
